When Should My Child’s First Dental Visit Be?
Making your child’s oral health a priority is essential to their well-being in the years to come. Forming a constructive relationship with a dentist as early as possible can help protect t he health of a child’s smile and prevent phobias associated with dental visits.
It is recommended that your child visits a dentist around the time of their first birthday, or after the eruption of their first teeth. Even in this early stage, harmful bacteria can lead to decay, but there are ways you can help prevent disease during this vulnerable phase.
Prevention
Preventative care can go a long way toward ensuring their overall health and the effectiveness of visits with a family dentist. Picking up the following habits at home can mean the difference between a healthy smile and one riddled with decay:
- Cleaning your infant’s gums after each feeding with a damp cloth will help remove any lingering bits of food or bacteria, which feeds on sugar.
- Use a soft, appropriately sized tooth brush and water for brushing after your child’s first teeth erupt.
- After their first birthday, begin weaning them off regular forms of nursing. Children who suck their thumbs or overuse pacifiers are at risk of tooth decay and misaligned teeth, so be sure to monitor their habits.
- When it comes to brushing, leading by example is a great course of action. Have your children watch you brush your own teeth can set a positive precedent; many of children’s behaviors are modeled after the behavior and habits they witness in others, particularly those of parents.
The Importance of First Appointments
Your child’s first dental appointment is primarily an introduction; the goal is to get them used to the dental environment so that they can form positive expectations. It is important that, as a parent, you maintain a calm, positive demeanor around your child, since their mood will inevitably reflect yours. Building positive anticipation for the appointment will help your child adapt to a dental environment, and can help ensure the success of future appointments and treatments.
Benefits of a Family Dentist
While a pediatric dentist can help secure your child’s dental health as soon as the first tooth emerges, the convenience of one dentist seeing your entire family cannot be dismissed. Not only that, but establishing a trusting relationship with one dentist can ensure the long-term maintenance of oral health and continuation of key healthy habits.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
At Cumming Dental Care, Dr. Skognes and his team are ready to serve the smile of you and your family. We see children as young as three and offer comprehensive treatment for patients of all ages in Cummings, GA. Call today to schedule an appointment!